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Pine River Area Chamber

About

Pine River has a rich history in logging and railroad lore. It was first incorporated in 1872. Located in the middle of Minnesota, the economy of the area revolves around tourism, logging and agriculture. The Pine River flows through the city of Pine River and is a state designated canoe route. A public fishing pier and public swimming beach are located in Pine River and the Information Center sets adjacent to the Paul Bunyan Trail. Famous explorers plied the present day streams named Norway Brook and the Pine River. Both streams eventually flow into the Mississippi River.

The community of Pine River serves as a large trade area. You'll find all the services you need for a great north country vacation! Recreational opportunities abound such as fishing, hiking, biking, camping, horseback riding and more. The Pine River area boast over 400 lakes within thirty miles. There are vast tracts of county, state and federal land nearby which provide great opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pine River lays claim to the title "Birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail", a hard surfaced recreational trail that now extends from Brainerd to Hackensack and will eventually extend to Bemidji. You can bike, hike, roller blade, roller ski the trail in the warm weather months and snowmobile (studs prohibited) in the winter. The Pine River Chamber of Commerce was the first chamber to pass a resolution asking that the abandoned railroad be converted into a recreational trail. That resolution was passed in 1983. Hence the title, "Birthplace of the Paul Bunyan Trail".
You'll find a new log information center adjacent to the Paul Bunyan Trail in Pine River. Pine River boasts a beautiful park and swimming area on Norway Brook, which runs through the city.

Activities that occur each year in Pine River are the weekly free fishing seminars and duck races during the summer months, Pine River Summerfest at the end of June each year, the Cass County Fair, the Pine River Art Show, Quilt Show, Christmas Parade of Lights and other events are always added to the schedule.
Email us at prcofc@uslink.net.

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Adjacent to Highway 371 in Pine River

Other Date Information

The Pine River Chamber Information Center is open seven days a week from Memorial Day through Saturday of Labor Day from 9:30 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.; Sundays 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. The public restrooms are open during the day, but locked at night.

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Events

The "racing ducks" are really decoys, not live fowl. Ducks are rented for $1 each and prizes are given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each race. A "Grand Duck Off Race" is held each Friday for the Grand Prize. All ages are welcome to race a duck!

The Pine River Heritage Days is focused around the newly restored Pine River Railroad Depot which has been added to the National Register of Historic Buildings! Other events include a High Tea at the Pine River Railroad Depot. A Quilt Show will take place at the United Methodist Church Friday and Saturday. A Historic1830s Encampment featuring historical displays, tepees, fur traders and more will take place at Forbes Park all four days! No admission charge!

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